Essay questions for dimensional analysis

Q 01
Transverse waves are produced in a long uniform string stretched with a tension F. if the mass of unit length
of the string is m, show using the method of dimensions that the velocity of the waves is given by

𝑭
𝑽=𝒌 𝒎
Where k is a dimensionless constant.

Q 02
A liquid column in a U-tube is executing vertical periodic oscillations. The total length of the liquid column
is l, and ρ is the density of the liquid. Let r be the radius of the U-tube and g be the acceleration due to gravity.
The time period T of oscillations may depend on all the above four quantities, namely l, ρ, r and g
(i) Assuming that T depends only on l, ρ and g show that the time period will be independent of the density
of the liquid.
(ii) Assuming now that T depends on l, r and g show that the time period will also be independent of the radius
of the U-tube.

𝒍
(iii) Hence, show that T is given by, 𝑻 = 𝑲 where K is a dimensionless constant.
𝒈

Q 03
The height h to which a liquid of density ρ and surface tension σ rises in a capillary tube of radius r may
depend upon ρ, σ, r and g where g is the acceleration due to gravity. Experiments show that h is inversely
proportional to r with this experimental information use the dimensional method to show that,
𝒌𝝈
𝒉= 𝒓𝝆𝒈
Where k is a dimensionless constant.

Q 04
The speed (v) of ripples depends upon. Their wavelength (λ), density (ρ) and surface tension (σ) of water.
𝝈
Using the method of dimensions, show that 𝑽 = 𝒌 𝝆𝝀
where k is dimensionless constant.

Q 05
The critical velocity (VC) of flow of a liquid through a pipe depends upon the radius (r) of the pipe, density
(ρ) and viscosity (դ) of the liquid. Using dimensional considerations, obtain an expression for the critical
𝒌դ
velocity. 𝑽𝑪 = 𝝆𝒓
Where k is a dimensionless constant.

Q 06
The rotational kinetic energy of a body (E) may depend upon the moment of inertia of the body (l) and angular
velocity (ω) using the dimensional analysis derive, 𝑬 = 𝑲𝑰𝝎𝟐 where k is a dimensionless constant.
Q 07
The time period T of the oscillations of a large fluid under its own gravitational attraction, may depends on
its mean radius R, its mean density ρ and the gravitation constant G. using dimensional considerations, show
𝒌
that T is independent of R and is given by, 𝑻 = Where k is a dimensionless constant.
𝝆𝑮

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 Q 08
When white light travels through glass, the refractive index µ (µ= Velocity of light in air/ velocity of light in
𝑩
glass) is found to vary with the wavelength λ as, µ = 𝑨 +
𝝀𝟐

Where A and B are constant. Using the principle of homogeneity of dimensions, determine the SI units in
which A and B must be expressed.
Q 09
The period of revolution (T) of a planet moving around the sun in a circular orbit depends upon the radius (r)
of the orbit, mass (M) of the sun and gravitation constant (G). Show that the T is given by,

𝒓𝟑
𝑭=𝒌 𝑮𝑴
Where k is a dimensionless constant

Q 10
A gas bubble from an explosion under water oscillates with a period (T) is proportional to the static pressure
(P), density of water (d) and energy of explosion (E). Using dimensional analysis, show that,
1/6
𝒅𝟑 𝑬𝟐
𝑻=𝒌 Where k is a dimensionless constant
𝑷𝟓

Q 11
Velocity of the sound (V) in a string may depend upon its coefficient of elasticity (E) and the density of the
medium (ρ) using the dimensional analysis show that,

𝑉=𝑘 Where k is a dimensionless constant. ([E] = ML-1T-2)

Q 12
A sphere of radius a is falling in a medium with its terminal velocity (v). The resistance force F may depend
on a, v and coefficient of viscosity (դ) using the dimensional analysis prove that, 𝑭 = 𝒌դ𝒂𝒗 where k is a
dimensionless constant.
Q 13
The velocity of water waves (v) may depend on their wavelength (λ), the density of water (ρ) and acceleration
due to the gravity (g) show that velocity will be independent of the density of water hence show that V is
given by, V2 = λg
Q 14
The mass of the heaviest stone that can be moved by the water flowing in a river depend on the speed of the
water (v), density of the water (ρ) and the acceleration due to gravity (g). Prove that,
M=Kρg-3V6 Where K is a dimensionless constant
Q 15
Air resistance of a moving vehicle (F) may depend upon the density of the air (ρ), surface area of the vehicle
(A) and its velocity (V). Using dimensional analysis show that,
F= KAρv2 Where K is a dimensionless constant.

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 Q 16
Pressure difference (P) of an air bubble in a liquid depends on the surface tension (σ) of the liquid, radius (r)
of the bubble and density (ρ) of the liquid. Prove that the pressure difference will not depend on the density
of the liquid hence show that,
𝑲𝝈
𝑷= 𝒓
Where K is a dimensionless constant.

Q 17
An electron in a hydrogen atom makes a transition from an excited level to ground state emitting a photo of
energy (E). Energy of the photon may depend upon plank constant (h) and the frequency of the radiation (f).
Show that E is given by,
E= hf
Q 18
If pressure (p), velocity (v) and time (T) are taken as fundamental quantities, then show dimensional formula
of force is pv2T2
Q 19
If energy (E), velocity (v) and time (T) are chosen as the fundamental units, prove that the dimensional formula
for surface should be, EV-2T2
Q 20
If energy (E), momentum (p) and force (F) are chosen as fundamental units, find the dimensions of mass in
the new system
Q 21
If velocity (V), acceleration (A) and force (F) are taken as fundamental quantities instead of mass (M), length
(L) and time (T), show that the dimensions of young ‘modulus is,
[Y] = FA2V-4
Q 22
Bernoulli’s equation for a fluid flow can be written as
𝟏
𝑷 + 𝟐 𝝆𝒗𝟐 + hρg = k

Where, P –Pressure , ρ- Density , v – velocity, h- height , g – Acceleration of free fall, k- constant

Applying dimensional analysis only to the term 1/2 ρv2 show that it has the dimensions of pressure and show
that equation is homogeneous with respect to the dimensions.
Q 23
The force of upward thrust acting on a shuttle is given by the product of the rate (M) at which fuel is burnt
and the exhaust velocity (u) of the gas relative to the shuttle show that the product Mu has dimensions of
force.

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